Sunday, January 20, 2008

Epiphany 2

Epiphany 2
January 20, 2008
John 2:29-41
Called to Witness

Introduction:  What is our calling as Christians? We are to bear witness to the things of God. Today’s theme: “Called to witness” simply expresses what you, as a redeemed child of God, have been placed into this world to do. Yet, sharing our faith can be one of the most distressing things we could do. What do I say? Might I say the wrong thing? What if someone asks me a question of which I can not answer?  In our gospel lesson John teaches us how we can witness in a winsome way.

I.        From the example of John – who pointed to Christ. Vs. 29

II.     From the example of John - who told of His experience. Vv. 32-33

III.   From the example of Andrew - who invited a friend. Vv. 40-41

I.        From the example of John the Baptist – who pointed to Christ. Vs. 29 “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

A.     He spoke little of Himself.

B.     Why should he? He knew he was a sinner “I should not be baptizing you, rather you should be baptizing me!”

C.     Why should he? Jesus was more important, “I am not worthy even to untie His sandals…He must increase I must decrease.”

D.     His focus was fixed firmly on Jesus.

1.      “Behold the Lamb of God…” Jesus is meek, mild, innocent, and spotless.

2.      “…who takes away the sin of the world” Only He can bear the sins of the earth in His body. Only He can exchange His perfect life for your tainted life. Watch! As He takes each sin to Himself.

Transition: We take the example of John the Baptist who pointed to Christ and who told of his experience.

II.     Take an example John the Baptist who told of His experience. Vv. 32-33 “And John bore  witness saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and He remained upon Him. I did no t know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “upon who, you see the Spirit descending and remaining on Him., this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.”

A.     John only told the crowd what the Father had told Him.

1.      He would see the Holy Spirit descend and remain on a man.

2.      He would be the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

B.     We too simply share what the Father has spoken to us.

C.     Of course we don’t hear voices, have visions, look for signs etc. We don’t need to!

D.     We go to that source where the Father has clearly spoken – we share and tell what the Father has clearly spoken.  

Transition: We take the example of John the Baptist who pointed to Christ and who told of his experience. We also take the example of Andrew who brought his brother to meet Jesus Christ.

III.   Take the example of Andrew who simply invited a friend Vv. 40-41 “One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah (which, is translated ‘the Christ’)”

A.     Having had such an experience he couldn’t keep it to himself.

1.      He had found Christ.

2.      What an impact Jesus had had on Andrew!

B.     Likewise, we impact others as Christ has had such an influence on us.

C.     You might be the only Bible another person reads.

D.     Impact your world, where you live, work, and go to school. Share Christ, draw others to Him.

Conclusion:  By these men’s examples we now have been given examples on how to impact our world for Jesus Christ. May the Lord direct you as you witness for Him!

+Soli Deo Gloria+

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